Blood Ties Page 16

  "Simone will take care of it, Ash.” An edge of steel crept into Nikolai's voice. The nail moving over Adrian's hand added a bit more pressure. It wasn't hard to tell when Nikolai was annoyed.

  Ash bowed his head, but not before Adrian caught the expression of resentment. “I'll make the arrangements."

  "There will be no more mistakes. I have endured enough of them. Is that clear?"

  Ash's head remained low as he answered, “Yes, Father."

  "Good. Now see to the arrangements.” Clearly dismissing him, Nikolai turned his attention back to Adrian.

  Adrian caught a fleeting glimpse of barely-concealed fury as Ash glared at him before Ash turned his back, walking away. Hearing Skye muttering behind him, something about “spoiled brats,” Adrian asked mildly, “Child problems?"

  "Best for you to see it all first so you know what you are in for."

  "You're surprising me. I thought you would attempt to hide things so I wouldn't want to run screaming into the night.” Adrian could fake a mellow mood as long as he didn't pay attention to the appallingly-casual feeding around the room.

  "Somehow, I don't think anything could send you screaming anywhere."

  "Never said it would. But wanting to is another thing."

  "You would like to be free of Gabriel. What better way to achieve that goal, Adrian?"

  "And out of the goodness of your heart, you blackmailed me into this, right?” He glanced down at his hand, where Nikolai's nail had resumed its light scratching over his skin. Adrian could feel the tension in Xander's hand, which was still on his shoulder and could almost hear the grinding of Indy's teeth, but neither of them could say anything.

  "Any advantage that can be used is fair in the game, especially when the stakes have a potential worth the risk."

  "Nice to know you realize my value, Nikolai."

  "Just as Gabriel recognized it when he marked you."

  "Marked me?” Confused, Adrian had no idea what Nikolai referred to.

  "It blazes even beneath your clothing.” He moved his hand away from Adrian's long enough to gesture toward Adrian's chest, before returning it to its prior position. “No one can mistake you for anything other than his property."

  "Son of a bitch,” Adrian muttered, remembering the particular incident before he had left San Diego. He reached up, tugging at his shirt as he tried to keep his own emotions from showing. He should have known to ask Gabriel more questions.

  Nikolai took the opportunity to add further commentary. “He controls you far more than you realize, Adrian. Or is it that you know, but you won't admit it?"

  "Nobody controls me, Nikolai. Get that straight right now. Not you, not him, not ever.” Kyle shifted against Adrian's leg, responding to the anger in his voice. His fingers kneaded into the material of Adrian's jeans. Xander's hand tightened even more on Adrian's shoulder. Indy's hand moved to rest on the opposite side as Skye's rested against the nape of Adrian's neck. All of them were trying to help him regain some calm without a word being said.

  Adrian fell silent as Claire moved to stand beside Nikolai. She leaned over, whispering to him. Suddenly grabbing her throat, Nikolai's hand squeezed to silence her strangled cry. Her eyes widened in fear, but she made no attempt to get away.

  "Claire, when I wish to be interrupted, I will tell you. Do you understand?"

  Blood seeped down her skin where his nails dug into her as he waited for her answer. When she nodded, he released her, wiping the blood from his fingers on her skirt. “Now go."

  Claire got the message and moved in back to the group she had been with in a hurry.

  Adrian had seen Gabriel do similar things when angered. He understood the type of action on the level that most vampires seem to respect violence more than just telling them off. In this case, Adrian didn't think it'd been necessary, but the interruption gave him the chance to swallow his anger at Gabriel. He'd hurt Gabriel later. No need to show division in front of Nikolai; Adrian wasn't that stupid.

  The scent of blood, both mortal and vampiric, strongly permeated the air. Everywhere Adrian looked seemed to be a feeding free for all. The smell didn't disturb him. If it had been Gabriel's blood, it would've been a different story. But Adrian could feel the occasional restless shifting of Indy and Skye behind him.

  "What are the arrangements made for India and Skye's feeding?” Normally, the host would be responsible for such little courtesies, and Adrian would judge if Nikolai's offer would be acceptable.

  Nikolai's gesture brought Ash back to the dais. “My son will take care of their needs whenever they wish."

  Adrian blinked, and both Skye and Indy stared at Nikolai, trying to hide their astonishment. The offer was an exceptional one: Nikolai offering his own son. It meant he viewed Adrian worthy of his blood, and by extension, both of Gabriel's children. He trusted neither would drain Ash. It wasn't something any of them had expected.

  This time, Ash showed a lot less attitude as he spoke, “I will be happy to accommodate your needs whenever you desire.” He watched both of them with a faint quirk of a smile on his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes.

  "Unless either decides that is not satisfying enough; in which case, they can choose among my court,” Nikolai smoothly added, even though it would be a considerable insult to turn down his offer.

  Graciously inclining her head toward both of them, Indy's words were pure polite form in the protocol. The formality was required because of the magnitude of the gesture. “You honor us greatly with your arrangement, Your Excellency."

  Skye bowed his head slightly in agreement with his sister.

  With a slight nod, Nikolai acknowledged their answers before murmuring to Adrian, “I thought it would please you."

  Simply nodding, Adrian turned his gaze back to the room in general. Several members of Nikolai's court had stretched out on cushions along low tables; blood, at this point, was flowing very freely. The meals reclined beside their diners, being openly fondled. Now Adrian didn't dare look in any given direction other than Nikolai's.

  The vampire sat on his throne, utterly unperturbed by their surroundings. The chandelier above the room winked out, leaving the room bathed in the light from the two massive fireplaces and numerous torches. The darkening of the room seemed to intensify the glitter of Nikolai's eyes as they rested on Adrian. The atmosphere began to feel charged with sexual tension as the erotic undertones of sound reached Adrian ears.

  Xander leaned forward to get Adrian's attention. “About time we get the hell out of here, don't you think?"

  "We will let you take care of business, Nikolai.” Standing, Adrian stepped off the dais, walking toward the huge double doors. Indy, Xander and Kyle followed close at his heel.

  "Back off!” The sound of Xander's pissed off voice made Adrian turn around abruptly.

  He saw Simone had grabbed Xander, one hand pinning him against a nearby wall. Adrian's hand automatically went to his hip right near his gun. “Simone, let go of him now."

  "No reason to waste a perfectly good meal."

  Kyle shifted quickly to animal form as Indy and Skye took several steps toward Xander and Simone.

  Adrian had the staker aimed at Simone before she'd even finished her sentence. “Now, Simone.” He started to pull back on the trigger as he repeated, “Now."

  Both Kyle and Indy stopped their advance, and Skye took several more steps before he paused. Xander pushed Simone's hand away, taking a sidestep to get some distance between them before Adrian fired the gun.

  "Your Excellency, this is ridiculous. I will not let a ghoul order me around.” Simone turned to Nikolai, clearly frustrated and exasperated.

  "I would suggest you listen."

  Armed with a staker, daggers, and his charm, Adrian felt fairly confident. Adrian knew Nikolai didn't doubt his ability to handle it; however, Simone must have taken Nikolai's lack of interference as a signal Nikolai wouldn't mind whatever she did. Her smile of triumph faltered when Adrian fired the staker. The stake e
mbedded into her chest, and her body collapsed to the floor.

  Xander stepped casually over her, walking back to Adrian.

  "Anybody else feel like challenging me?” Adrian asked the room in general. In the ensuing silence, he noticed none of them made any effort to stir from their places. Addressing Nikolai, Adrian said, “She tries again, and one of us is going to have to kill her."

  "I doubt she will want to, Adrian, but agreed, and I don't think the rest of my court will push matters.” An indolent wave of his hand sent Nikolai's enforcers over to Simone's body to cart it away.

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  Chapter 19

  Back in the bedroom, a servant brought in a cart of food for dinner as Adrian changed his clothes in the bathroom. The aroma reminded him he hadn't eaten since the night before.

  Leaving the bathroom, Adrian eyed the assortment as he headed over to the cart. Teriyaki steak, onion rings, and potato salad were on the menu, along with a dessert of peach pie. “I wonder how Nikolai found out my favorite foods."

  "He seems to be pulling out all the stops, Adrian.” Xander watched him loading up a plate.

  "Xander, what's bothering you?” The food tasted as good as it smelled and. Xander filled his own plate, not saying anything as he settled next to Adrian. “Start talking. I can see something is bugging you."

  Kyle came in, helping himself to the food and disappearing back into the other room without a word. Xander didn't answer, he just continued eating, keeping his eyes on his food.

  "I'm not going to let it go once I get done eating, Xander."

  Xander didn't seem to have much of an appetite, only taking a few bites and mostly moving the food around the plate with his fork. As Adrian was starving, he finished the steak and onion rings, then went back for seconds and added a piece of pie. After he finished everything, Adrian took Xander's still full plate from him and put the dirty dishes on the cart. Returning to the bed, he plopped down beside Xander and started in. “Going to tell me what you're thinking now?"

  "I worry, that's all."

  "About?” Adrian prompted Xander to go on as he stretched out back on the bed, leaving his feet dangling over the edge.

  "You wanting to stay here, Adrian.” Xander changed positions, lying on his side, propped on his elbow. He half hovered over Adrian.

  "Not something to worry about since I don't want to stay here. You worry about as much as Gabriel, Xander. I am stuck here for a few days only, and that's it."

  He half expected the gentle touch of Xander's lips and wasn't disappointed; Xander needed to convince himself as well as Adrian. Xander's body partially leaned against Adrian's, pressing him into the bed.

  "Xander.” His name came out husky as Adrian's hands slipped beneath Xander's shirt. His nails dug into Xander's back, raking downward against his skin. Just the touch of Xander's body drove Adrian half-crazy.

  The play of emotions crossing Xander's features was an odd mixture, reflecting the deepening of his own feelings for Adrian. Adrian realized Xander had started to care for him a bit too much, but Adrian wasn't sure how he felt other than physically wanting Xander. He moved one leg, twining it over Xander's. He drew Xander's head back down to him, giving Xander a deep, hungry kiss. An aching, empty sensation spilled over Adrian as their tongues slid slowly over each other's. This time Adrian ended the kiss. Keeping his eyes closed, he turned his head slightly away from Xander.

  Xander placed a lingering kiss to the corner of Adrian's lips.

  "Xander, I'm sorry, I don't—” Adrian tried to explain, but Xander wouldn't let him finish.

  "I understand more than you think, Adrian. There is time for everything, but this is not the time. It's okay. I just needed to know you wouldn't stay here."

  Adrian rolled to his side, facing Xander. Why can't it be easy just to let myself go and accept everything he offers? “I want things to be simple, so why aren't they?"

  "Even I realize things never work out as simply as you want them to.” Xander's hand smoothed comfortingly over Adrian's hair. The gentleness of his voice washed over Adrian, stilling the disquiet inside him. “I'm not going anywhere, so you have all the time in the world."

  He really should've been pissed at himself. All Adrian wanted to do was snuggle into Xander, accepting the security Xander gave him, but Adrian couldn't offer the man anything in return. Xander was the best thing Adrian had in his life, and Adrian knew he cared about Xander. But would it be enough? That was where the uncertainty came in.

  The bed became a very empty place when Xander left.

  Once alone with his thoughts, his anger at Gabriel returned. Adrian ended up staring at the ceiling, unable to fall asleep between the thoughts of Xander and Gabriel. As soon as he got back, he would make sure Gabriel got rid of that mark. More than an hour passed before his thoughts slowed down enough for him to sleep.

  * * * *

  The next afternoon, Adrian went on a tour of the house with the housekeeper. Nikolai had outdone himself to keep Adrian entertained and happy. He felt somewhat impressed with Nikolai's attention to detail in the matter of his comfort. The house made Adrian feel like he'd stepped back into ancient times. He should've been wearing lace and velvet, or whatever they wore back then.

  He followed along side the housekeeper, Mrs. Applebee, listening to her. The name astounded him, along with the fact she was a nearly two thousand year old ghoul. The woman didn't look a day over fifty. The admission that she was married, and had been for the last three hundred years, to Mr. Applebee, gave new meaning to committing oneself to marriage. She proved to be a fountain of information about “her master"; her words, not Adrian's.

  It left him wondering about the praise she heaped on Nikolai, but her expression seemed one of genuine fondness. She told Adrian she'd taken care of Nikolai back when he had been alive and kicking. That threw Adrian, too. Her stories of Nikolai as a child had him laughing, but he still had the same problem he'd had with Gabriel. Vampires being kids just wasn't a comprehensible thing to Adrian.

  The woman had an amazing memory, though, and he had to admit he enjoyed talking with her. When Adrian mentioned he wanted to see the animal sanctuary, she guided him to the rose gardens, telling him the entire grounds were the sanctuary. The animals were under Nikolai's control and therefore harmless to his guests. Leaving Adrian to the solitary splendor, Mrs. Applebee returned to the house.

  Adrian took a slow stroll through the lavish indoor rose gardens. Several overhead trellises carried the sweet fragrances of the blossoms, just tempting his senses to heighten to take it all in. This place looked simply incredible. He walked outside and through the formal gardens that gave way to a more riotous scattering of horticulture. Bypassing the huge maze, not wanting to get lost in it, he came upon one of the fountains scattered among the gardens along with statuary and topiary in interesting mythical animal shapes. It must take a legion of gardeners just to manage the place.

  Sprawled next to one of the fountains, a lioness relaxed with her cubs, and a lounging leopard slept on the wide rim of the fountain. The centerpiece was a fifteen-foot representation of Neptune in a chariot pulled by Pegasus. The front of the fountain was scalloped shaped, and water spilled from three large shells into the large pool beneath them. Three life-sized, nude water nymphs graced the shells.

  A pantheon of the gods, off to the right, was three-tiered in white marble and emerald enamel, decorated by fourteen life sized bronze statues portraying Roman gods and goddesses.

  Not too far away, Adrian could see what looked like a Roman temple. Although he knew it was supposed to be there, he still felt surprised by the sight as he wandered toward it. It had gotten dark already, and the garden was lit with what seemed to be faerie like lights artfully hidden along the paths. Torches in metal bowls flanked the way up the temple stairs, illuminating the temple. The entire thing looked like it was constructed of white and black marble. Delicate pink tiles were inlaid in an intricate design in the white marble on th
e ground flooring. A statue, at least twenty feet tall, of Venus stood on a pedestal at ground level. The stairs wrapped around the two-story temple, leading to a marble altar in front of huge metal doors. As Adrian found it locked, he didn't venture inside. It was amazing enough just to wander around the massive pillars lining the temple, viewing it from the outside.

  As he headed back to the front, he saw Nikolai staring up at the statue. “The goddess of love. She is a fitting patrona in the search that drives us to find any meaning to make sense of the world."

  Adrian descended the stairs, listening to Nikolai's philosophical bent. “Shouldn't Bacchus be more appropriate in that search, Nikolai?"

  "Only from the outward look of my court, Adrian. But peer closer; you will see the desperate need that drives them. In time, the pursuits of Bacchus become jaded, and the desperation starts for better pleasures. It is a trap that enthralls many of my kind."

  "What about you, then? I didn't see you joining them.” As things had degenerated in the throne room the night before, Nikolai had remained beside Adrian. He had watched the others, neither stopping them nor making any attempt to join in.

  Nikolai's hand reached for his, fingers curling around it. His voice softened, but Adrian could detect no seductive effort in it. “I ceased the frantic pursuit of those things over a thousand years ago. Now I look for far more than the next titillation to sate my appetite."

  In the depths of Nikolai's eyes, a slow silvering had begun to take over the blackness. “Then why bother with me? I'm not the next dish on the menu for you to devour, Nikolai."

  "No, you are far from that, Adrian. The potential strength and power radiates from you. I haven't seen your like since—” Frowning, Nikolai stopped.

  Adrian could see the memory of something painful touch Nikolai's expression before Nikolai grew silent. Giving him a questioning look, Adrian waited to see if he would continue.

  "You are much like my first child, headstrong and defiant even when facing the worst odds. And his heart protected many just as yours does. I never thought I would see his spirit again.” A bittersweet smile tugged at Nikolai's lips. “Virgil was taken from me too soon. He was barely a young child in my life before I killed him."